上班族必備軟實力

[Richard went to the weiya and stayed relatively sober this time.]

At the end of each lunar year, businesses in Taiwan have a dinner in honor of their employees. It is called the weiya, or year-end banquet. This is a celebration for a year of hard work. People have poured their souls into the company and the management needs to show their appreciation.

The dinner is meant to be fun. Drawing are held for prizes, including cash, merchandise, and gift certificates. Almost everyone goes home with something. You may have a drink or two as well. You don’t have to pay for it.

Sometimes they have karaoke, sometimes they have games, and other times they hire a singer and an emcee and have a show. You can have a glass of wine if you want. It won’t hurt. Just relax, talk with people, and have a good time.
 

 
Places set up banquet style. (Notice the wine glasses.)

Alcohol is usually provided. It is nice to get out and let your hair down once in a while. You don’t have to drink, and certainly you don’t want to get drunk. Relax a little bit. Don’t be so serious all the time.

Each department will sit at their own table. They will, at some point in the evening, get up en masse and visit all the other departments to offer toasts and congratulate them on a job well done. We made it through the year, hurray.

Weiyas range from being a very intimate experience to a large extravagant affair. No matter what kind it is, it is delightful, and you can drink too. Thank you for reading.